What happens when I refuse God’s “Plan A” Deuteronomy 1:19-36 (NLT)
“, We left Mount Sinai and traveled through the great and terrifying wilderness, . . . . . .. we arrived at Kadesh-barnea, . . . . . ., ‘First, let’s send out scouts to explore the land for us. They will advise us on the best route to take and which towns we should enter.’ . . . . . . . . 25 They picked some of its fruit and brought it back to us. And they reported, ‘The land the LORD our God has given us is indeed a good land.’ 26 “But you . . . . . refused to go in. 27 You complained . . . . . “The people of the land are taller and more powerful than we are, . . . . . . 29 “But I said to you, ‘Don’t be shocked or afraid of them! 30 The LORD your God is going ahead of you. He will fight for you, . . . . . ’ 32 “But even after all he did, you refused to trust the LORD your God, 33 . . . . . 34 “When the LORD heard your complaining, he became very angry. So he solemnly swore, 35 ‘Not one of you from this wicked generation will live to see the good land I swore to give your ancestors, 36 except Caleb . . . . ." Deuteronomy 1:19-36 (NLT)
Reflection
God’s “plan A” for Israel (the biological descendents of Abraham and Sarah, the Hebrews, the Jews) was for them to enter the promised land almost immediately after the rescue from slavery in Egypt. However, they distrusted God and Moses, disobeyed, complained and rebelled. I think they were like most of us if we’re honest.
Now, God ALWAYS has a “plan B”. In other words, God’s ultimate plan to “restore Eden to earth” through Israel and the faithful Israelite, Jesus, WILL come to pass. But plan B doesn’t look like plan A. Plan B typically is full of the pain that disobeying and mistrusting plan A brings. Israel got to the promised land, but without everyone who began the journey except for Joshua and Caleb.
I like plan A best but I’m really grateful for plan B because plan A’s haven’t always looked all that good to me at the time. I was too selfish, or rebellious, or stupid, or whatever to recognize plan A as good. So most of me is living in a plan B, C, D, or even Q.
Yet, God is including me in the ultimate, eventual plan A destination, even if in an alternate plan way. So . . . . . .
“Thank You God for your patience and Grace. And, also, God please help me to jump right on all future plan A’s right when you present them. Amen”
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
You have to truly appreciate LAB's comments:
ReplyDeleteThe people were afraid . . . "But the minority report of Joshua and Caleb pointed out that the land was fertile, the enemy was vulnerable and God was on their side. We become fearful and immobile when we focus on neegative aspects of a situation. How much better it is to focus on the positive - God's direction and promises. When confronted with an important decision and you know what you should do, move out in faith. Focus on the positives while trusting God to overcome the negatives. Problems don't have to rob you of the victory."
Everyone has sin (wounds). The Israelite and NLPC members and CLC attenders.
ReplyDeleteJust ask them, most cannot admit.
No matter who is doing the telling, by whatever media you choose announcing to sinful (wounded) people to trust or to have faith will have the same result Moses achieved.
40 more years of wandering.
Heal the people! That is God SHAPE-D victory!
29 “But I said to you, ‘Don’t be shocked or afraid of them! 30 The LORD your God is going ahead of you. He will fight for you, . . . . . ’
ReplyDeleteGod did my fighting for me this week. I was behind in a task that I needed to complete. He answered a prayer I did not consciously make. The end result: Greeters for this Sunday are an answer to an unvoiced prayer. God fought my battle for me, He went ahead of me. He provided me the tool of the Internet, and a brainstorm idea of a 'volunteer challenge' that had a reward attached. Within 24-hours of my initial email requesting help, all greeter spots were filled for May 2, 2010 services. I know, this seems small to most, but to me all the small stuff is big when it is seen through God's eyes. He is ready to help you wherever you are.
(Humbly submitted by Leslie Hernandez)
Anonymous#2 I'm confused by your statement "Heal the people." is that your prayer to our righteous and holy Creator? Scripture tells us that "...by His stripes we are healed.." It is because of our sin or wounds that we realize we need a Savior. I hate my sinful nature but am forever grateful that the very thing I hate pointed me to Jesus. Telling people to have faith or trust is, as you suggest, an exercise in futility, faith in God can only come from Him. For me, it came after I made a concious decision to take Him at His word."Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." We all have faith in something, perhaps faith in our own abilities, faith in a spouse or parent, often our faith is in the things we fear the most. But faith in God has substance, it isn't some ethereal haze floating around in the heavens.It has real weight because of Who is behind it, He can be trusted and He is faithful.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous#4. Jesus did not tell the sinners, the blind, mute and the dying to have faith and then just walk away, did he? No, he healed them. I am convinced, those He healed became warriors for Christ with monster faith.
ReplyDeleteCheck Luke7:47 & 1John1:9 -forgiveness of sin.
Then check out James 5:16 -healing.
"Heal the people" means deal with sin (wounds) and this is only my opinion on what the focus of church planning could be.
Anonymously -Anon#2
Anonymous#4. Jesus did not tell the sinners, the blind, mute and the dying to have faith and then just walk away, did he? No, he confronted sin and healed all who asked. I am convinced, those He healed became warriors for Christ with monster faith.
ReplyDeleteCheck Luke7:47 & 1John1:9 -forgiveness of sin.
Then check out James 5:16 -healing.
"Heal the people" means purposefully dealing with sin (wounds) and is only my opinion on what the focus of church planning could be.
anon#2
Anon #2. Okay, I think I understand your point. I'm with you that we need to confess our sins one to another because in doing so we become transparent. I also know that in confession and repentance we receive forgiveness.
ReplyDeleteSadly, I'm afraid I disagree that those who've been healed will become warriors for Christ. Do you remember when Jesus healed the 10 lepers? Only one even bothered to thank Him. The woman with the alabaster box referenced in Luke 7 came alone, there should have been a line out the door, around the block and halfway to the next town. But there wasn't, she was alone. Like that woman, I've been forgiven much and am overwhelmed with gratitude. I've known others who've also been forgiven much but the ointment in their alabaster box hasn't anointed anything other than themselves. What is the difference between them, the nine ungrateful lepers and the woman who anointed Jesus? I don't know, I do know this, I choose daily to follow Him. Am I thankful for the sweet encouragement and ministry I receive at CLC? You bet I am. But I am under no illusions about my own capacity for sin and my own selfishness, I have to hang on to Jesus with everything I have.Frequently that means carpet fibers in my nostrils and broken fingernails from grasping Him so tightly. I'd like it to be easier, I've begged Him to take away my freewill. But here I am still hanging on for dear life, still wrapped in my sin stained skirts, waiting to be released from the sin that so easily besets me. If you don't have to fight your sin nature on a daily basis, I envy you. If your healing has made you a warrior for Christ with monster faith, I joy with you, but for me this is a battle that I fight every day.
Your opinion regarding church planning means purposefully dealing with sin. In what way? Church discipline? Mentoring? How will it help me and others like me?
Anon #4